Gender Differences in the Games Industry

There is alot of talk around the game industry relating to gender 'discrimination'. Alot of people believe that games are marketed more specifically to a male audience. Games like 'Call of Duty', 'Halo' and the 'Doom' series are predominantly more violent and therefore aimed at boys. Whereas girls are supposed to enjoy games like 'The Sims', 'Zoo Tycoon' and 'Animal Crossing'.
But is there any truth in this? Can't girls enjoy 'Crysis' whilst boys enjoy 'Hannah Montana: The movie game'?
I interviewed a female friend for a better insight.

Q. Do you believe there is any prejudice in the games industry when it comes to gender?
A. I beleive when it comes to stereotypes in the industry, that there is. But not necessarily in the industry itself.

Q. Is that to say that people making these games have no sexual bias, but the games show an obvious particular marketing choice? Shooters for boys, Constructive sandbox games for girls?
A. Yes. Alot of games are geared specifically towards males and they seem to make up for that by having token female characters, Zoe and Rochelle for the Left4Dead series. Theres also one from the game 'Borderlands', too. I also think there are very few games that are geared specifically towards girls. To someone outside the industry it seems like there are more games geared towards primarily males than there are aimed at both genders.

Q. Do you think that having these token female characters is a good mechanism? For example, would you feel more compelled to play a game such as Left4Dead than if it was a group of four males?
A. I'd be ok with playing the game but still I would most likely play as the female. Although if it was an RPG more specifically where you can customize your character I'd be less likely to play the game were there only options to customize a male character.

Q. So in a game, playing as a female seems to make quite an impact on your decision to play it. Would you look for games based on playable female characters mainly?
A. Not really. It's once I'm playing the game.

Q. So how do you feel about more violent games? The market suggests that boys are more for shooters. Do you enjoy shooters and violent games at all?
A. I have to admit, I don't like shooters very much. It might just be more but violence in a game isn't an issue.

Q. Not liking shooters is a personal choice, obviously. As a female gamer, what kind of games would you enjoy the most?
A. I like games that seem to have more of a storyline and allow the player alot of freedom. I do like games with a slight childish touch such as 'Kingdom Hearts' but games that are clever such as 'Fallout' make a big impact on my gaming choice.

Q. I too enjoyed 'Kingdom Hearts' immensely. You described 'Fallout' as a "clever" game, what does that mean to you?
A. I like how it combines a chaotic dark world with comedic value. Such as references to media of today and historic elements, such as the group "Caesars Legion" in 'Fallout: New Vegas'.

Q. There is a huge contrast in style between 'Kingdom Hearts' and the 'Fallout' series, however both have strong story elements. How important do you believe story to be in creating a successful or enjoyable game?
A. I think it's the most important bit. Story impacts on much of the aspects of the game for example, a character cannot be developed unless there is a story behind him. It's hard to be immersed in a game if there isn't anything to draw you in, and I believe the story is what does that. How crap would Kingdom Hearts be without a story?

Q. Kingdom Hearts would be certainly very different without a story. However the fundamental mechanics would still exist and in that respect would still be playable but without a purpose. Would you still find it enjoyable and play it? Or just not enjoy it as much?
A. It would be alot more boring and reduce the quality of the game but because the story is so integral it is hard to imagine!

Q. Generally, girls are stereotyped to play games like 'The Sims'. Do you enjoy this game? or any games like it?
A. I love The Sims! I love The Sims because you can just lose yourself in it for hours. There's so much you can do on it. I also like text based games like 'Cute Knight'. I like it because it's quick and it's got some nice artwork, if a little amateur.

Q. The Sims has no story. How would you justify the entertainment that you and so other many people get from it when there is no ultimate goal?
A. There are ultimate goals and achievements and you make your own storyline by earning these achievements.

This brief interview has been of particular interest. From this example alone it would seem that girls are more interested in storybased games, or creative outlets. Stereotypes definitely exist within the industry but really it comes down to the gamer. Perhaps future games would benefit from involving both sexes majorly rather than bit parts from either party. I suppose only time will tell. . .